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Interview with Michelle de Villiers

Published 2014-07-01.
Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing?
I grew up in South Africa. This has left me with a deep appreciation of nature, as well as an enjoyment of a variety of languages. I am a very visual person.
When did you first start writing?
I enjoyed scribbling and drawing since I could hold a pencil.
Describe your desk
I have a low desk and a high desk, and then my easel and sculpting turntable. I have to stand a lot, because I have a bad back!
What's the story behind your latest book?
Bumbershoot will be available soon. It is a picture book about a small heartbreak, the death of a goldfish.
When Tara's goldfish dies, she is very sad. She mopes and grieves. A little bird tells her to get a bumbershoot! Intrigued, Tara steps outside to find out more.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords is great. I measure success by the enjoyment I get out of putting my scribblings and dribblings out there and seeing some other souls enjoying it.
What is the greatest joy of writing for you?
I love mixing art and words, both on paper and in pixels.
What are you working on next?
I enjoy the intersection of art and science. I am writing scaiku (science+art+haiku) to help remember new things in a short, fun way. I am also working on a few longer stories for children.
What do your fans mean to you?
I am happy when someone reads something I have have made and lets me know that they have enjoyed it.
Who are your favorite authors?
There are too many. Any good writing makes good reading. I have found though that I tend to read more non-fiction nowadays.
When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?
I read a lot. I also paint, travel and take pictures. I enjoy spending time with my family.
Smashwords Interviews are created by the profiled author or publisher.

Latest books by This Author

Little Red Brittle Star by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 1,000. Language: English. Published: June 25, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Adventure » Sea adventures, Poetry » Themes & motifs » Nature
Ophi wants to be a real star: a space star. The problem is, he is a sea star and not a blazing star -- which may just be the right thing to be after all! Join Ophi in his poetic quest to travel to outer space and cry for him when his dream is crushed. But is it really that bad? Sea stars have hidden talents that rock stars don't! Written in verse, with colourful illustrations.
The Whistle Thorn Tree by
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 380. Language: English. Published: March 4, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Nature & the Natural World / Environment, Fiction » Children’s books » Animals » General
There is a small tree in Africa with a big secret. How do you make friends when you have sharp, pointy thorns? Find out in this heartwarming illustrated story.
Bumbershoot by
Price: Free! Words: 460. Language: English. Published: July 23, 2014 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Social Issues / Death & Dying
Tara Brown's goldfish has died. A picture story about a small heartbreak.
The Star Bear Odyssey by
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A science fiction fable with a touch of Poe and a twist of Dahl. A teeny water bear sits at play on her tiny meteor when another traveller crash-lands on her rocky home. And so unfolds a haiku horror picture story… Star Bear is a tough little tardigrade. Her story is told in the official verse of all aliens: haiku!
Life: An Ouroborosical Odyssey by
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Cartoons portraying some topical issues in a quizzical , whimsical way. It was the dawn of the ebook, the World Soccer Cup took place and almost everyone adopted an avatar.
Chortle and Snort by
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The e-Incunabulum of Comical Inspiration by
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The Sunflower That Roared by
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 970. Language: English. Published: June 19, 2010 . Categories: Fiction » Children’s books » Art
(4.47 from 17 reviews)
Sarah has a very sunny nature. That is why her mother calls her her little sunflower. But even sunflowers get grumpy when no one listens to them... A picture book to read with your 3-5 year old, especially if you like sunflowers.
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